A couple of days ago I was perusing a conductor friend’s pictures from his various performances from 2017, and in this Potter-head’s mind (mine, not his), a few of them looked like he was casting spells. I found a decent list of spells from the Harry Potter canon (the books, not necessarily the movies) and discovered that many of them could help community ensemble directors keep rehearsals efficient and productive.
Being the only one with a wand (disguised as a baton, of course), the director would be able to readily cast any of the relatively non-violent spells listed below, in various situations. One wonders if Filius Flitwick has used these during his choir rehearsals.
Instrument Repairs
For the most part, community musicians are good about keeping their instruments in good working order, but now and then, a small part will break, or just become so dirty that it does not perform the way it should. If the director knows about this, s/he can use Reparo to repair the broken item, or Scourgify to clean it.
Stage Lighting
Bad lighting is sometimes unavoidable in some performance venues, and for most musicians, it’s a little disconcerting to not be able to see the director. No problem! Lumos produces light from the end of the caster’s wand. While it’s not ideal, at least the players can see the conducted patterns coming from that shadowy podium. And when the piece (or concert) is finished, use Nox to put out the light.
Wake Up!
For those ensemble members who tend to drift off and miss their entrances, or worse, a solo, the director can use Rennervate. This spell is traditionally used to revive someone who has been stunned, but it may also help bring musicians in La-La Land back to the here and now.
Healing
In case something bad happens and a player gets a minor injury, use Episkey to heal it. This almost never happens, but if it does, it will likely happen in the percussion section.
Discipline
As many conductors are aware, there will be times when the musicians (both kids and adults) become a little too talkative or jocular. If a rehearsal disruption is imminent, or has already happened, there are some spells that hopefully will mitigate the situation.
Silencio makes something silent. This is relatively subtle way to get someone to shut up. If the offending noise continues, a director might try Evanesco, which makes objects vanish. I’m not sure if this means the object has temporarily disappeared physically, or if it’s merely invisible. Even so, an experienced musician may think twice before trying to play an invisible trumpet or bassoon.
If neither of the aforementioned spells get the point across, a director may wish to use more powerful, movement-based incantations. The well-documented Wingardium Leviosa (or Hover Charm) causes an object to levitate. Remember to pronounce this spell correctly, but be careful with the larger instruments. Set that string bass down gently.
WARNING! Directors who are considering going even further should think twice before using this next spell. It’s very effective, but is usually used in battle. Expelliarmus disarms another person, to avoid further spellcasting. Causing a tiny wand to flip out of someone’s hand to clatter across the floor is one thing, but image the same scenario with an expensive flute, French horn, tuba, or timpani!
Also, if you use Expelliarmus with too much force, you may actually throw the musician out of his/her chair, to go flying across the room! In that case, take them to Madam Pomfrey in the hospital wing. Episkey may not be enough.
There are other spells, of course, but they may not produce the expected results, or may be even more distracting or dangerous than these. What do you think? Did I miss any?